Tamenglong’s Orange Festival gets underway

People participate in an orange eating competition during the 14th State Level Orange Festival 2017 at the Lower Ground, Tamenglong on December 6. (NNN Photo)

Newmai News NetworkTamenglong | December 6

Manipur Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today announced Rs 50 lakh assistance for setting up of a cold storage in Tamenglong district. The cold storage will be set up under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for the 2017-2018.

Shyamkumar made the announcement at the inaugural function of the 14th State Level Orange Festival 2017 at the Lower Ground, Tamenglong. The festival is being held from December 6 to 10.

The Minister also announced Rs 13.75 lakh assistance for setting up of rural markets in Tamei and other suitable areas in the district along with Rs 12 lakh assistance for primary processing unit for the farmers. He further assured that the first installment will be released before the Christmas.

Stating that Progeny Orchid Farm needs to be revived, Shyamkumar stressed on the requirement for a series of awareness program to help increase the production of the Tamenglong oranges. The Minister also instructed the district authorities to put together a list of farmers of Tamei and Tamenglong for availing soft loans.

Shyamkumar said that the Horticulture and Soil Conservation department is sending a proposal for procurement of NEC (North Eastern Council) fund up to Rs 15 crore for 2018-19 for the production of Tamenglong orange, Senapati kiwi, Kachai Lemon, pineapples of Imphal East and Churachandpur. He also said that the department for the year 2017-2018 received Rs 14 crore NEC fund for the Floriculture projects in Sendra, Andro and Shirui.

Seeking cooperation from all the stakeholders for all round development in the district, the Minister said Forests and Environment Department will promote bamboo production in the district by including in the budget from next financial year.

He also announced to increase the first prize for the best orange growers from Rs 1.75 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. The second prize will get Rs 1 lakh and Rs 75,000 to the third prize. All the participating farmers in the festival will get Rs 6,000 as consolation prizes.

On the first day of the festival, Tour de Tamenglong – a cycling race was flagged off by Samuel Jendai, MLA Tamenglong AC in the morning which saw the participation of 28 cyclists. The highlights of the festival include rock and talent competitions, Orange Queen competition (on December 10) and seminars among others.